Mali entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Mali. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Malian embassy or consulate | Philippine passport holders need a visa before traveling to Mali. Submit your application at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days; expect to provide a letter of invitation, flight itinerary, and hotel booking.Mali MFA — visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Mali. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bamako–Sénou International Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they may also check the dates match your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mali. Immigration may ask for it if your purpose of visit is unclear. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Security situation
Mali is under a Level 4 travel advisory (Do Not Travel) from many governments due to terrorism and crime. Check your home country's advisory before booking. If you still go, register with your embassy.
Yellow fever card is mandatory
You will be denied entry if you cannot show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Malian embassy
Contact the Malian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Manila or a neighboring country). Submit the application form, passport photos, passport copy, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and visa fee. Processing takes 1–4 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, yellow fever card, flight tickets, hotel confirmation, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Bamako–Sénou International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, yellow fever card, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and accommodation. Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill.
Download Mali Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (100 USD)
Apply at Malian embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
For frequent travellers; may need proof of multiple trips.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with Malian embassy in Manila. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May require additional documentation. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mali
Transit visa required
Philippines passport holders transiting through Mali typically need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Mali or a residence permit may transit without visa.
Transit hubsBamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO)
Health & vaccines for Mali
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mali; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bamako
Direction Générale de la Police Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue de la Liberté, Bamako
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalBamako
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 564.97 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C (two round pins) and Type E (two round pins with grounding hole)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You must obtain a visa from a Malian embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Philippine passport holders.
Processing typically takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the embassy. Apply well in advance — at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry). Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy for exact fees.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa from outside Mali.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must show the yellow card at immigration. Also recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines. Check with your doctor.
Mali has security risks, including terrorism and kidnapping in some regions. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid non-essential travel to northern and central areas.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Cash is king — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange at banks or exchange offices.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.